Gutters are an overlooked part of your home. But they are equally important, as they keep your home safe and dry. That’s why it’s essential to maintain the efficiency of your gutter system by getting it cleaned by the experts.
Generally, you should get your gutter inspected and cleaned at least twice a year. But this figure can vary depending on various factors. In this blog, we will discuss each factor in detail to help you choose the right frequency of gutter cleaning, maintain them, and prevent costly repairs.
Factors Affecting The Frequency Of Gutter Cleaning
⇒ Surrounding Vegetation
The type of vegetation around your house affects the cleaning frequency of your gutters. If you have trees that shed a lot of leaves and seeds, it can lead to frequent accumulation of debris in your gutter.
So, if there are numerous trees around your property or overhanging your roof, you need to inspect and get your gutter cleaned more often.
Note: If you have pine trees in your surroundings, you should get your gutters cleaned at least three times a year, as they shed needles year-round.
⇒ Gutter Capacity
Not all gutters are equal. They are of different sizes, widths, and depths. Standard residential gutters are 5 inches wide and 3.5 inches deep. Debris and downpours can clog these types of gutters quickly, leading to more frequent cleaning.
However, if you install a bigger gutter (6 inches wide and 3.75 inches deep), it may get clogged less frequently and may not need cleaning as often. So consider your gutter’s size when deciding on cleaning frequency.
⇒ Climate
Another important factor that affects the frequency of gutter cleaning is the local weather. If your area receives frequent rainstorms and showers, there is a high chance of your gutter getting damaged or clogged.
On the flip side, dry areas don’t have to worry about damage to the gutter due to harsh weather conditions. But there are still chances of damage to the gutter due to severe weather conditions.
So check your gutters carefully after a storm to know if they need cleaning and repair, as regular gutter cleaning service can prevent water damage.
⇒ Location Of the House
Additionally, the location of your home also affects how often you’ll need gutter cleaning. For instance, if you live in a location at the bottom of a slope or around low-lying areas, your home is susceptible to flood and water damage.
Clogged gutters can increase the chances of damage to your home’s foundation. But regular gutter cleaning prevents this and protects your foundation from getting compromised.
⇒ Gutter Guards
The availability of gutter guards also leads to a variation in gutter cleaning frequency. The gutter guard system prevents large debris from entering your gutter and reduces the chances of clogs. It reduces the need for frequent gutter cleaning.
But your gutter still requires regular inspection to ensure your system is functioning efficiently and there are no issues with it.
Conclusion
You should get your glutter cleaned by professionals at least twice a year. The best time for it is after spring and fall due to the high level of pollen and debris in these seasons.
But if you have excess vegetation in your surroundings, lower gutter capacity, and your area experiences severe weather conditions, then increase the frequency of gutter cleaning. Do the same if your gutter system isn’t protected and you live in flood-prone areas.
